In the heart of Maracha District, nestled in the village of Drandru Anyivu parish -Tara sub county, lies a testament to hope, resilience, and empowerment an initiative changing lives one woman at a time.

This is the story of Driciru Peace, a 20-years-old mother who conceived as a child, and a proud member of the Tara Ojata Women’s VSLA group, part of the BRIDGE PROJECT for vulnerable women.

Peace seated (in the middle) outside her home, speaking confidently to the MEAL team.
“When I first joined the group, I didn’t understand why I was there or what it could mean for me. But after attending sessions on Group Dynamics, Personal Understanding and exploration and personal Financial Management, something changed. I began to see the importance of being part of a group like this.” Like knowing some of my weaknesses, and strengthens which keeps informing my decisions in life

In the Above photo (with a small bag) is Peace attending group savings meeting

Through the BRIDGE PROJECT, Peace learned to develop her own savings plan, budget wisely, and make informed decisions about her family’s needs. What once seemed impossible is now part of her daily life.

“I save 12,000 shillings every month. With the group’s support, I borrowed 40,000 shillings to start  small-scale businesses of Dagger fish, sim sim pastes and sale of local brew, and the businesses fetch a total profit of up to 30000/= per week. I save the profit to pay my daughter’s nursery school fees of 70000 per term, and even provide for my family. Before I used to spend money carelessly without any proper planning, Now, every coin has a purpose.”
Beyond financial growth, Peace’s transformation is personal. Once shy and reserved, she now speaks with confidence, contributing ideas during group gatherings and becoming a source of inspiration to others.

“I used to fear speaking in public, but now, I feel confident. I even give inputs during our meetings. Being part of this group has made me proud and bold.”
As Peace’s journey continues, her aspirations grows. She envisions more hands-on skills training, like liquid and bar soap-making and bead crafting, that can uplift her and her community’s financial status further.
“To the Amani Initiative, I am deeply grateful. I recommend more trainings for our group. Together, we can achieve so much.”

Above are photos of group members during savings and financial literacy sessions

Through the BRIDGE PROJECT, Peace and countless other women are rewriting their stories, breaking barriers, and building a future where every woman thrives. “Empowered women empower communities. Together, we bridge the gap. #BRIDGEPROJECT

From December 4th to 6th, 2024, a household strengthening activity was conducted in Tara Sub-County, Maracha District under the BRIDGE Project, with financial support from the FEMI Foundation. The activity brought together beneficiary households for a transformative learning and planning experience aimed at strengthening household resilience and promoting sustainable development.

The activity successfully engaged 35 beneficiary households, with a total of 180 participants, including beneficiaries, their family members, and other household members. The sessions focused on empowering households to take ownership of their development journey through structured reflection, planning, and mindset change.

At the core of the activity was the use of SWOT Analysis—a practical tool that helped households identify their Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Through guided facilitation, each household critically assessed their current situation and explored realistic pathways for improving their socio-economic well-being.

Beyond analysis, the sessions emphasized goal setting and action planning. Each household developed three key household goals tailored to their specific priorities. For example, one household set goals to build a permanent house, expand their farming activities, and start rearing animals for sale as a source of income.

To ensure accountability and long-term impact, all goals and action plans were documented in individual household journals. These journals will serve as monitoring tools and will be reviewed during eight follow-up visits over the next two years, allowing for progress tracking, coaching, and continuous support.

This structured approach has laid a strong foundation for personalized household support, enabling tailored interventions based on each household’s unique needs, capacities, and opportunities. By promoting self-awareness, planning, and responsibility, the initiative is fostering positive mindset change and strengthening household dynamics.

Through the BRIDGE Project, with support from the FEMI Foundation, this household strengthening initiative is expected to drive long-term personal growth, improve household resilience, and contribute to sustainable community transformation in Tara Sub-County and beyond.

In the heart of Maracha District, a transformative project is taking shape — the Amani Elevator Facility. Currently under construction, this facility is envisioned as a central hub for empowerment, learning, and essential service delivery, designed to strengthen communities and uplift the most vulnerable, especially women and children.

Once completed, the Amani Elevator Facility will serve as the headquarters of Amani Initiative, creating a permanent base from which the organization can coordinate, expand, and sustain its community development programs. More importantly, it will provide a safe and accessible space for community members to access critical services and life-changing opportunities.

A Center for Skills, Services, and Empowerment

The facility will host a range of skills training programs aimed at improving livelihoods and promoting economic independence. These will include vocational and practical trainings tailored to local needs, such as tailoring, soap and detergent making, crafts, agribusiness skills, and other income-generating activities. These programs are designed to equip women and youth with hands-on skills that translate directly into sustainable income.

In addition to skills training, the Amani Elevator Facility will provide space for the provision of essential services, including community meetings, counseling and psychosocial support, financial literacy sessions, women’s group activities, and child-focused programs. By bringing these services under one roof, the facility will become a one-stop center for growth, protection, and empowerment.

Strengthening Women and Protecting Children

Women and children remain at the center of Amani Initiative’s mission. The Amani Elevator Facility will create a safe and supportive environment where women can learn, organize, and build confidence, while children can access supportive services that promote their well-being, education, and protection. The facility will help reduce barriers to participation by providing a nearby, trusted, and community-owned space.

A Call for Partnership and Support

While construction is underway, completing the Amani Elevator Facility requires additional financial support. Amani Initiative is actively seeking partnerships with well-wishers, donors, foundations, and corporate partners to help bring this vision to life.

Every contribution — whether financial, material, or technical — will directly support the completion of this facility and expand access to life-changing services for the Maracha community. By investing in this project, partners will be investing in long-term community resilience, women’s empowerment, and the protection and development of children.

Building the Future Together

The Amani Elevator Facility represents more than a building. It represents hope, opportunity, and a shared commitment to lifting communities toward a more empowered and self-reliant future.

Amani Initiative warmly invites all well-wishers to join hands in supporting the completion of this vital community asset. Together, we can ensure that women and children in Maracha District have access to the skills, services, and support they need to thrive.